Watchband coupling

ABSTRACT

A watchband coupling adapted to secure a watchband to a watch having spaced lugs with a pin secured therebetween. The watchband is readily removable from the watch by providing a pair of concentric partially cylindrical sections, with one section rotatable within the other. A slot is formed in each cylindrical section. The inner partially cylindrical section is secured within the outer partially cylindrical section by an inwardly extending lip which lies parallel to the outer cylindrical section, and over which the inner cylindrical section will rotate. In another aspect of the invention, a pair of resilient partially cylindrical sleeves is positioned in the outer cylindrical section. These resilient sleeves can be moved toward and away from each other in order to adjust the effective width of the watchband coupling. In this way, the coupling is adapted to be used with watches having different widths between the lugs.

United States Patent Related U.S. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 110,215, Jan. 27,- 1971, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 866,325, Oct. 14, 1969, Pat. No. 3,605,212.

U.S. Cl. ..24/265 B, 24/241 WB Int. Cl ..iA44c 5/18 Field of Search ..24/265 B; 63/3-5;

224/4 D, 4 B; 58/88 WS References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS A FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Valcourt 5/1929 Jones ..24/265B Bruner [4 1 Dec.'l2, 1972 -541 WATCHBAND COUPLING 1,007,537 5/1957 Germany ..24/265 B 72 -l t i M t A. B 1113 W lt l 1 n-ven or z s??? 19018 ynnbroo Primary Examiner-Donald A.Griffin Attorney-Caesar, Rivise, Bernstein & Cohen [22] Filed: Aug. 19, 1971 Appl. No.: 173,054 [57] ABSTRACT A watchband coupling adapted to secure a watchband to a watch having spaced lugs with a pin secured therebetween. The watchband is readily removable from the watch by providing a pair of concentric partially cylindrical sections, with one section rotatable within the other. A slot is formed in each cylindrical section. The inner partially cylindrical section is secured within the outer partially cylindrical section by an inwardly extending lip which lies parallel to the outer cylindrical section, and over which the inner cylindrical section will rotate. In another aspect of the invention, a pair of resilient partially cylindrical sleeves is positioned in the outer cylindrical section.

These resilient sleeves can be moved toward and away from each other in order to adjust the effective width of the watchband coupling. in this way, the coupling is adapted to be used with watches having different widths between the lugs.

19 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHH: 12 I972 3. 705.456

SHEET 1 0F 3 INVENTOR MATES A. BRUNEI? ATTORNEYS.

P'A TE'N'TEBnmmmn 3.705.456

sum 2 [IF 3 IN VE/V TOR FIG. MATES A. BRUNEI? A TTORNEYS PATENTEDME 12 m2 3.705.456

- SHEET 3 OF 3 INVENTOR MATES A. BRUNEI? A TTORNEYS r w l WATCHBANDCOUPLING This application is a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 110,215, filed Jan. 27, 1971, now abandoned, which in turn was a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 866,325, filed Oct. 14,

1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,212.

This invention relates to a watchband coupling, and more particularly, to a watchband coupling that renders the watchband readily removable from a watch, and which is adjustable in width in order to provide a secure and attractive fit on a watch casing.

The common practice of securing watchbands on a watch is to have a tubular sleeve at both ends of the watchband. A spring-loaded pin passes between the lugs ona watch casing, and this pin is removed and inserted through the tubular sleeve. Thereafter, the pin is depressed and snapped into aligned holes in the'lugs in order to secure the watchband in place.

One of the problems with this type of securement is that it is extremely difficult for the wearer of the watch to remove the watchband in theevent he desires to replace the same or to clean the same. Commonly, only a jeweler is sufficiently adept at removing the watchband, and the user will not normally even attempt to do so. In one aspect of this invention, the coupling of the invention renders the watchband readily removable in the event the user wishes to clean the same or to replace the same with a different watchband in order to have the new watchband coordinate with his attire. Additionally, by having the watchband readily removable, it can be used on a numberof different watches, and need not necessarily be used on a single watch.

In my aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 866,325, two embodiments of a removable watchband are disclosed. Both of these embodiments include an outer partially cylindrical member and an inner partially cylindrical member which is rotatable within the outer member. The watchband coupling of this invention comprises a third embodiment of a I removable coupling including two partially cylindrical members. In this invention, a new mechanism is provided for securing the inner cylindrical member within the outer cylindrical member.

In another aspect of the coupling of this invention, means are provided for varying the width of the coupling. Watch cases are generally manufactured with projecting attaching lugs differently spaced in different sizes and styles of case. A pin projects between a pair of lugs and has its end secured in holes in the lugs. Generally, it has been necessary to stock an assortment of watchbands having coupling devices of varying widths to enable different styles of bands to be used with different styles of watches which have varying widths between the lugs. Alternatively, watchbands came with an extremely wide coupling device which was subsequently filed down by the jeweler in order to accommodate the watchband to the width between the lugs on a given watch.

A number of devices have been made in order to overcome the problems of varying widths of watch cases and distances between the lugs. The most commonly used of these devices includes a pair of tubular sleeves that are spring urged outwardly within the coupling device. Exemplary of such devices are those shown in US. Pat. Nos. 2,713,445, 2,953,833 and 3,030,686. These types of devices are effective for adjusting the relative width of the watchband coupling. However, they do suffer from a number of disadvantages.

One of the main disadvantages of the spring-urged couplings is the fact that a constant spring pressureis applied against the ends of the coupling sleeves and the contacting inner faces of the lugs of the watch casing. This causes a constant wear on the ends of the coupling and on the lugs, and could ultimately result in the wearing out of the watchband case or the extending sleeves. Another problem of the spring-urged couplings is that the springs in many of them cannot be sufficiently compressed to adapt the watchbands for use in watch cases having a small distance between the lugs. Additionally, wherethere is a substantial distance between the lugs, the springs do not urge the sleeves out sufficiently far to completely fill the distance between the lugs. This results in an unsightly appearance, and in addition, gives rise to a loose feeling of the band on the watch because of the relative movement between the band and the watch. This would also give rise to a tendency of the band to pinch the skin of the wearer of the watch.

Another device which has been developed for varying the effective width of a watchband coupling has been to provide a pair of outwardly extending sleeves on the coupling which could be adjusted to fit the width between the lugs, and then crimped in place. One of the problems with this type of coupling is that once the crimp has been made, the device is no longer adjustable, and accordingly the watchband could not be used on different watches having different widths between the lugs. Additionally, the projecting sleeves were not removable from the coupling device, and accordingly, there was a limit to the amount of adjustability. For instance, if it were found that the distance between lugs was wider than the maximum distance allowable for the sleeves, there was no way the watchband coupling could be expanded by the insertion of wider sleeves. Once the sleeves were initially placed in the watchband coupling, they could no longer be removed by the user the replaced. They could only be made smaller in width, and crimped in place.

v The watchband coupling of this invention includes a pair of partially cylindrical adjustment sleeves which are effective for varying the width of the coupling over a wide range. In one embodiment of the invention stops are provided to vary the width of the coupling in pre-set increments. The extensions are removable and replaceable by larger extensions in the event that the extensions in use are not sufficiently large to accommodate the entire width of the distance between the lugs of the case of the watch.

In a second embodiment of this invention, the partially cylindrical adjustment sleeves have toothed means thereon. A lever is provided on the coupling which has teeth that are adapted to engage the teeth of the sleeves. By utilizing the inner locking teeth, the extensions can be preset to any predetermined width, and held at this width.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a novel watchband coupling.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel watchband coupling that is readily removable from the watch by the wearer of the watch.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a watchband coupling that is adjustable in width in order to render the coupling usable on watchband cases having varying widths between the lugs.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a watchband coupling that is both removable and adjustable in width.

These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by providing a watchband coupling comprising a first member which is mountable on a bar of a watchband case and a second member which is adapted to be secured to a band, said first member comprising a first partially cylindrical portion and a second partially cylindrical portion rotatable within said first partially cylindrical portion, said first partially cylindrical portion having a bar dependent therefrom, said bar being positioned within said first partially cylindrical section and being concentric therewith, said second partially cylindrical section passing over said bar and under said outer cylindrical section, whereby said bar secures said second cylindrical section within said first cylindrical section.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the watchband coupling of this invention, as secured on a watch casing, and taken from the rear thereof;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the first embodiment of the watchband coupling of this invention, and taken from the rear thereof;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the watchband coupling of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the watchband coupling of this invention, as secured on a watch casing, and taken from the rear thereof;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the watchband coupling of this invention, and taken from the rear thereof;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment of the watchband coupling of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10 10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the watchband coupling of this invention, and taken from the rear thereof;

FIG. 12 if an exploded perspective view of the watchband coupling of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 11.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, a watchband coupling embodying the present invention is generally shown at 10 in FIG. 2. Device 10 basically comprises an outer partially cylindrical section 12, an inner partially cylindrical section 14 which is concentric with the outer cylindrical section 12 and positioned therein, and a pair of inserts 16 which are positioned within the outer cylindrical section 12.

The outer partially cylindrical section 12 includes a bar 18 (FIG. 4) which is formed from the outer cylindrical surface, and generally lies parallel to the outer cylindrical surface, but is inwardly displaced therefrom. A first pair of shoulders 20 is formed at the outer edge of bar 18, and a pair of flanges 22 projects outwardly from the tops of shoulders 20. Flanges 22 terminate in shoulders 24 which join the flanges to the outer cylindrical surface of member 12. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bar 18 and its associated flanges and shoulders are cut from the cylindrical section 12, and leave a rectangular opening 26 in the cylindrical surface.

Partially cylindrical section 12 has a slot which extends the entire width thereof. The slot is terminated by a first edge 28 and a second edge 30 (FIG. 5). A tab 32 is secured on section 12 adjacent edge 28 by any conventional means, such as soldering. Tab 32 includes an elongated slot in which a band 34 is received. Band 34 can be secured in the slot by any of the means known to the art, such as crimping, soldering, staking or riveting. A central notch 36 is formed in section 12 at edge 30. A pair of lateral cuts 38 is also made in section 12 at edge 30. As best seen in FIG. 3,'cuts 38 extend inwardly from each side of section 12, and terminate in shoulders 40.

As best seen in FIG. 5, partial cylindrical section 14 is positioned against the interior surface of section 12, and is rotatable therein. Section 14 has a laterally extending slot passing therethrough which terminates in edges 42 and 44. A lip '46 projects outwardly from cylindrical section 14 at edge 44. Lip 46 is slightly smaller in width than the width of notch 36 in partially cylindrical section 12.

As best seen in FIG. 2, each insert 16 is a partial cylindrical tube. Each tube includes a lateral slot which is terminated by ends 48 and 50 (FIG. 2). A lip 52 projects outwardly from each end 50 and abuts the edge of lateral cut 38.

The coupling 10 is used for securing the band 34 to a watch, piece of jewelry or other decorative item. The bands can be used in necklaces, chokers, bracelets or for a wrist watch. By way of example, the couplings 10 are shown in FIG. 1 as securing a watchband 34 to a watch casing 54. In FIG. 1, the backside of the casing is uppermost. The casing includes spaced lugs 56 at each side thereof. A pin (not shown) passes between the lugs and is secured in aligned holes in each pair of lugs.

In order to use the coupling 10, the inserts 16 are adjusted in cylindrical member 12 in order to have the total width of the coupling equal to the distance between a pair of lugs 56. By way of example, the inserts are positioned in the embodiment shown as being adapted for use on a watch casing wherein the lugs are spaced a distance of three-fourths inch. If the distance were eleven-sixteenths inch, the inserts 16 would each be moved inwardly a distance of one thirty-second inch. To accomplish this, each lip 52 on an insert 16 would be depressed and the insert would be pushed inwardly until the inner edge of the lip abuts the shoulder 40 of its associated cut 38 and abuts a shoulder 20. This position is shown at 16' in FIG. 4.

If the distance between the lugs is five-eighths inch, the inserts are completely removed from the sleeve 12. If the distance between the lugs is greater than threefourths inch, then inserts 16 are removed, and new and larger inserts are used to accommodate the larger width. I

It is thus seen that through the use of the stops provided by shoulders 24 or the combination of shoulders 20 and 40, which are alignedI'the efiective widthof the watchband coupling can be adjusted in increments of one-sixteenth inch. The inserts are removable and can be replaced by larger inserts in the event that this becomes necessary. The adjustmentcan be made by the wearerof the watch or other piece of jewelry, and

I no filing or other manipulation need be done by a jeweler. The inserts 16 are made from a resilient metal, such as spring steel, and the only spring tension is the pressure of the inserts against the interior surface of sleeve'12. Thereis no lateral pressure against the lugs, and accordingl y, there will be no'wear on the lugs or the inserts when. the watch is worn.

The coupling of the watchband to the watch is accomplished by rotating finger 46 'in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 5, until the finger is received in notch 36 of the outer partially cylindrical section 12. When this is done, the slots in sections 12 and 14 and the slots in insert 16 will all be aligned, thereby forming a continuous slot across the entire width of coupling 10. The coupling is then placed over the lug pins on the watch case and the lip 46 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction until it abuts tab 32. This securely fastens the watchband on the watch. In this connection, it should be noted that the bar 18 securely holds the sleeve 14 against the interior surface of section 12, thereby forming a frictional fit. When the sleeve 14 is rotated to the closed position, it will securely hold the coupling in place on the watch casing.

A second embodiment of the coupling of this invention is generally shown at 60 in FIG. 6. As best seen in FIG. 7, device 60 basically comprises an outer partially cylindrical section 62, an inner partially cylindrical section 64 which is concentric with the outer cylindrical section 62 and positioned therein, and a pair of inserts 66 which are positioned within the outer cylindrical section 62.

Outer cylindrical section 62 includes a central slot 68 (FIG. and a pair of inwardly projecting lateral lips 70 at the lateral edges of the slot. Partial cylindrical section 64 is rotatable within section 62, and is kept from moving laterally within the section by abutment against lips 70. Partial cylindrical section 64 includes a lip 72 which is used for rotating the section 64, in the same manner as lip 46 rotates partial cylindrical section 14 in embodiment l0.

Partial cylindrical section 64 includes an outwardly projecting flange 74 (FIG. 9). As seen in FIGS. 8 and 10, flange 74 terminates in a plurality of teeth 76.

As best seen in FIG. 7, each insert 66 comprises a partially cylindrical tube. An L-shaped flange 78 projects from each insert 66 adjacent its inner edge. Each flange 78 includes an upwardly projecting lip 80. Each lip 80 has a plurality of vertically extending teeth 82 formed in the backside thereof.

The coupling 60 is used in the same manner as coupling 10. Thus, it is used for securing a band 84 to a watch, piece of jewelry or other decorative item. The band 84 can be secured to the coupling 60 by any conventional means. By way of example, a plate 86 projects from outer cylindrical section 62. Plate 86 includes a pair of upstanding lips 88 at its edge. A T- shaped tab 90 is bent upwardly and over plate 86, and lies parallel to plate 86. The loop 92 of band 84 is secured to plate 86 by tab 90 and lips 88, as best seen in FIG. 7.

In this embodiment of the invention, the couplings 60 are shown as securing a watchband 84 to a watch casing 94. In FIG. 6, the backside of the casing is uppermost. The casing includes'spaced lugs 96 at each side thereof. A pin (not shown) passes between the lugs and is secured in aligned holes in each pair of lugs.

The coupling 60 is used in a substantially identical manner to coupling 10. Thus, in order to secure the coupling on the watchband, cylinder section 64 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 7, by lifting tab 72. This aligns the slot section 64 with the slot in section 62. This also aligns the slots in inserts 66 with the slotsin sections 62 and 64. Accordingly, a continuous slot is formed across the entire width of coupling 60. 4 I

After the cylindrical section 64 has been rotated, inserts 66 are freely slidable in cylindrical section 62. They are accordingly moved inwardly or outwardly in order to accommodate the distance between the lugs 96 on a given watch. The coupling is then secured on the watch by sliding the pin between the lugs into the slot formed in the inserts and cylindrical sections. Thereafter, cylindrical section 64 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction until teeth 76 are engaged in teeth 82 of the inserts 66.

The pivoting of the cylindrical section 64 and the engagement of the teeth securely locks the coupling on the watch casing, and in addition, prevents any further lateral movement of inserts 66. Because the teeth 82 are vertically extending, the teeth 76 on cylindrical section 64 are easily engaged with the teeth 82 during the rotation of section 64, as is best seen in FIG. 9.

The advantage of embodiment 60 of this invention over embodiment 10 is that there is finer adjustment of the inserts 66 than there is with the inserts 16. Thus, the teeth 76 and 82 can be made sufficiently small to have extremely fine increments of adjustment during the sliding of the inserts 66. In all other respects, the coupling 60 will function in an identical manner to the coupling 10. t

A third embodiment of the coupling of this invention is generally shown at 100 in FIG. 11. Device 100 basically comprises a partial cylindrical section 102, a locking plate 104 and a pair of inserts 106.

As seen in FIG. 12, section 102 includes a central slot 108 formedin the top surface thereof. A lip 110 depends from the upper edge of cylindrical section 102 on each side of slot 108. A plate 112 projects outwardly from the lower edge of partial cylindrical section 102. A tab 114 projects vertically from each lateral edge of plate 112. A rolled lip 116 is formed at the end of plate 112. The purpose of lip 116 is to secure a loop from a watchband on the coupling 100, in the same manner as loop 92 of watchband 84 is secured in place. Other securing mechanisms known to the art can also be used.

' A reinforcing rib 118 projects across plate 112 atthe position where the plate joins with the edge of cylindrical section 102. Rib 118 includes a lip 120 that projects into the interior of cylindrical section 102. A second, small rib 121 extends from rib 118, and extends across rib 1 18.

Looking plate 104 includes a cylindrical sleeve 122 that is formed at the rear edge thereof. A pin 124 passes horizontally between the tabs 114, and is secured at its ends to the tabs. Pin 124 passes through sleeve 122, and plate 104 is rotatable about the pin. Plate 104 includes a pair of spaced flanges 126 projecting therefrom. A tab 128 projects outwardly from plate 104 at the center thereof.

A tab 130 projects outwardly from plate 104 between tab 138 and each flange 126. Each tab 130 has aplurality of teeth 132 formed on the outer edge thereof. 1

Each insert 106 is partially cylindrical. The upper edge of each insert includes a plurality of teeth 134 that is formed therein. The inserts 106 are slidably received in cylindrical section 102, with the lower edge of each insert abutting lip 120 and the upper edge being held against rotational movement by lips 110 of cylindrical section 102. Accordingly, the inserts are only slidable laterally, but are rotationally immovable within section 102.

Embodiment 100 is used in the same manner as embodiments l and 60. Thus, it can be used for securing a band to a watch, piece of jewelry or other decorative item. The bands can be used in necklaces, chokers, bracelets or for a wrist watch. When used with a watchband, the coupling can be secured to the band by any of the mechanisms known to the art. By way of example, the lip 116 can be bent around the loop of a watchband in order to secure the coupling in place.

When the coupling is attached to a watch casing, the plate 104 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 136. This is accomplished by placing a fingernail or other sharp object under tab 128 and lifting plate 104 to pivot it around pin 124. After the plate has been lifted, inerts 106 are slidably adjusted in cylindrical section 102 in order to render the width of the coupling equal to the distance between the lugs on the watch casing.

With the plate 104 lifted out of the way, a continuous slot is formed by the slot in section 102 and the slots in inserts 106. The coupling can then easily be placed over the pin of the watch casing. Thereafter, the inserts are locked in place and the coupling is secured on the watch casing by pivoting plate 104 to the position shown in FIG. 11. When in this position, the teeth 132 on plate 104 will mesh with the teeth 134 on inserts 106. This prevents any further movement of the inserts, and in addition, locks the coupling on the watch casing.

The rib 121 locks plate 104 in place. Thus, when the plate 104 is pivoted to the position shown in FIG. 11, flanges 126 are snapped over rib 121, thereby securing the plate.

It should be noted that the coupling of this invention is placed on the watch casing at the underside thereof. Accordingly, when the watch is worn, the coupling will give a smooth, impervious appearance, such as the prior art couplings presently in use. However, it will not be necessary to have a wearer remove the lug pins in order to remove the watchband since this is easily accomplished by rotating the cylindrical section 14, the cylindrical section 64 or the plate 104. In this way, the coupling of this invention enjoys all of the ornamental advantages of the prior art, non-removable couplings, while at the same time being readily removable when it is desired to do the same.

It is thus seen that the coupling of this invention provides a combination of elements which render the coupling readily removable, when desired, and in addition, readily adjustable in width for use between the lugs on different watch cases. Positive stops are provided for the width adjustment, either by shoulders 20 or 24, or by the engaged teeth, and this adjustment can readily be carried out by the wearer of the watch, without the necessity of employing a jeweler or other skilled person to make the adjustments. The adjustments are not permanent, and can be changed by the wearer to suit the watchband for use on different watches.

The coupling of this invention can be used with all types of jewelry and watchbands. It can be used, for instance, with leather, mesh, expansion or any other type of watchband known to the art. The coupling can either be an attached part of the watchband, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, or form an integral part of a watchband.

The coupling can be formed from any of the metals generally used for the prior art watchband couplings. The metals can be gold filled or gold plated, and given any other ornamental appearance known to the art. Likewise, the inserts are formed from a resilient metal, such as spring steel, which can also be filled or plated with an ornamental metal.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention, that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions of service.

What is claimed as the invention is:

l. A watchband coupling comprising a first member which is mountable on a pin of a watch case and a second member forming a part of a band, said first member comprising a first partially cylindrical portion and a second partially cylindrical portion rotatable within said first partially cylindrical portion, said first partially cylindrical portion having a bar dependent therefrom, said bar .being positioned within said first partially cylindrical portion, and being concentric therewith, said second partially cylindrical portion passing over said bar, said bar maintaining said second partially cylindrical portion within said first partially cylindrical portion, whereby said second partially cylindrical portion can be rotated from a first position which permits the placing of said coupling over said pin to a second position which secures said pin within said first and second partially cylindrical portions.

2. The watchband coupling of claim 1 wherein said bar is formed from said first partially cylindrical portion.

3. The watchband coupling of claim 1 wherein said bar frictionally holds said second partially cylindrical portion against the inside of said first partially cylindrical portion whereby said second partially cylindrical portion can be frictionally rotated with respect to said first partially cylindrical portion.

4. The watchband coupling of claim 1 wherein said second partially cylindrical portion includes an outwardly projecting lip, said lip being adapted to aid in the rotation of said second partially cylindrical portion with respect to said first partially cylindrical portion. 5. The watchband coupling of claim 1 and further including means for adjusting the width of said first member.

6. The watchband coupling of claim 5 wherein said width adjusting means comprises a pair of partially cylindrical inserts, with said insertsbeing positioned in open ends of said first partially cylindrical portion.

7. The watchband coupling of claim 6 wherein each of said inserts comprisesa partially cylindrical portion, each of which has an elongated slot formed therein, said elongated slots being alignable with elongated slots formed in said first and second partially cylindrical portions.

8. The watchband coupling of claim 7 wherein each of said inserts is formed from a resilient material, each of said inserts further including means to aid in the compression of said materiaL'whe'reby said inserts may be compressed and slid laterally'within said first partially cylindrical portion in order to adjust the width of said first member.

i 9. The watchband coupling of claim 5 and further including stop means in order' to permit the adjustment of said width adjustment means to predetermined points which are set by said stop means.

10. The watchband coupling of claim 9 wherein said bar is connected to said first cylindrical portion by a plurality of shoulders, said shoulders comprising said stop means.

11. The watchband coupling of claim 10 wherein said plurality of shoulders is positioned at at least two different vertical levels within said coupling, whereby at least two different stop means are provided.

12. A watchband 7 coupling comprising a partially cylindrical portion which is adapted to be placed over a pin of a watch case, means for adjusting the width of said coupling, said adjusting means comprising an insert mounted in each end of said partially cylindrical portion, each of said inserts being partially cylindrical and formed from a resilient material, said inserts resiliently engaging the inner wall of said partially cylindrical portion, whereby each of said inserts may be compressed and slid inwardly or outwardly relative to said partially cylindrical portion in order to adjust the width of said coupling, and stop means formed in said partially cylindrical portion, said stop means permitting the movement of said inserts relative to said partially cylindrical portion at two predetermined points, said stop means comprising a plurality of inwardly projecting shoulders in said partially cylindrical portion, with said shoulders being provided at two different levels within said partially cylindrical portion to provide said stop means at said two predetermined points.

13. A watchband coupling comprising a partially cylindrical portion which is adapted to be placed over a pin of a watch case, means for adjusting the width of i said coupling, said adjusting means comprising an in-' sert mounted in each end of said partially cylindrical portion, each of said inserts being partially cylindrical, said inserts being laterally movable within said partially cylindrical portion, whereby each of said inserts maybe slid inwardly o r outwardly relative to said partial! cylindrical portion in order to adjust the width of said coupling, means for releasably securing said inserts at pre-set positions within said partially cylindrical portion, and each of said inserts having aplurality of teeth formed thereon, said watchband coupling further including means rotatable into engagement with said in serts, said rotatable means having teeth thereon, said rotatable means being laterally fixed relative to said partially cylindrical portion, whereby the engagement of the teeth on said rotatable means with the teeth on said inserts releasably secures said inserts at said preset position.

14. The watchband coupling of claim 13 wherein each of said inserts has a flange projecting laterally outward therefrom, said flange having a tab projecting therefrom, said tab having said teeth formed therein.

15. The watchband coupling of claim 14 wherein said teeth are vertically extending on said tab.

16. The watchband coupling of claim 15 wherein said rotatable means comprises a second partially cylindrical portion rotatably' mounted within said first-mentioned partially cylindrical portion, said second partially cylindrical portion being adapted to secure said coupling on said pin, and in addition, engaging said teeth on said inserts.

' 17. The watchband coupling of claim 13 wherein said partially cylindrical portion includes a plate extending therefrom, said rotatable means being rotatably mounted on said plate, and comprising a second plate, said second plate having said teeth adapted to engage the teeth on said inserts.

18. The watchband coupling of claim 17 and further including means for releasably securing said second plate with said teeth engaged in the teeth of said inserts.

19. A watchband coupling comprising a partially cylindrical portion which is adapted to be placed over a pin of a watch case, means for adjusting the width of said coupling, said adjusting means comprising an insert mounted in each end of said partially cylindrical portion, each of said inserts being partially cylindrical, said inserts being laterally movable within said partially cylindrical portion, whereby each of said inserts may be slid inwardly or outwardly relative to said partially cylindrical portion in order to adjust the width of said coupling, means for releasably securing said inserts at pre-set positions within said partially cylindrical portion, and said means for releasably securing said inserts comprising means rotatable relative to said partially cylindrical portion, said rotatable means being rotatable from a first position wherein said partially cylindrical portion is adapted to be placed over said pin to a second position wherein said partially cylindrical portion is secured on said pin, said inserts being secured at said pre-set positions when said rotatable means is in said second position. 

1. A watchband coupling comprising a first member which is mountable on a pin of a watch case and a second member forming a part of a band, said first member comprising a first partially cylindrical portion and a second partially cylindrical portion rotatable within said first partially cylindrical portion, said first partially cylindrical portion having a bar dependent therefrom, said bar being positioned within said first partially cylindrical portion, and being concentric therewith, said second partially cylindrical portion passing over said bar, said bar maintaining said second partially cylindrical portion within said first partially cylindrical portion, whereby said second partially cylindrical portion can be rotated from a first position which permits the placing of said coupling over said pin to a second position which secures said pin within said first and second partially cylindrical portions.
 2. The watchband coupling of claim 1 wherein said bar is formed from said first partially cylindrical portion.
 3. The watchband cOupling of claim 1 wherein said bar frictionally holds said second partially cylindrical portion against the inside of said first partially cylindrical portion whereby said second partially cylindrical portion can be frictionally rotated with respect to said first partially cylindrical portion.
 4. The watchband coupling of claim 1 wherein said second partially cylindrical portion includes an outwardly projecting lip, said lip being adapted to aid in the rotation of said second partially cylindrical portion with respect to said first partially cylindrical portion.
 5. The watchband coupling of claim 1 and further including means for adjusting the width of said first member.
 6. The watchband coupling of claim 5 wherein said width adjusting means comprises a pair of partially cylindrical inserts, with said inserts being positioned in open ends of said first partially cylindrical portion.
 7. The watchband coupling of claim 6 wherein each of said inserts comprises a partially cylindrical portion, each of which has an elongated slot formed therein, said elongated slots being alignable with elongated slots formed in said first and second partially cylindrical portions.
 8. The watchband coupling of claim 7 wherein each of said inserts is formed from a resilient material, each of said inserts further including means to aid in the compression of said material, whereby said inserts may be compressed and slid laterally within said first partially cylindrical portion in order to adjust the width of said first member.
 9. The watchband coupling of claim 5 and further including stop means in order to permit the adjustment of said width adjustment means to predetermined points which are set by said stop means.
 10. The watchband coupling of claim 9 wherein said bar is connected to said first cylindrical portion by a plurality of shoulders, said shoulders comprising said stop means.
 11. The watchband coupling of claim 10 wherein said plurality of shoulders is positioned at at least two different vertical levels within said coupling, whereby at least two different stop means are provided.
 12. A watchband coupling comprising a partially cylindrical portion which is adapted to be placed over a pin of a watch case, means for adjusting the width of said coupling, said adjusting means comprising an insert mounted in each end of said partially cylindrical portion, each of said inserts being partially cylindrical and formed from a resilient material, said inserts resiliently engaging the inner wall of said partially cylindrical portion, whereby each of said inserts may be compressed and slid inwardly or outwardly relative to said partially cylindrical portion in order to adjust the width of said coupling, and stop means formed in said partially cylindrical portion, said stop means permitting the movement of said inserts relative to said partially cylindrical portion at two predetermined points, said stop means comprising a plurality of inwardly projecting shoulders in said partially cylindrical portion, with said shoulders being provided at two different levels within said partially cylindrical portion to provide said stop means at said two predetermined points.
 13. A watchband coupling comprising a partially cylindrical portion which is adapted to be placed over a pin of a watch case, means for adjusting the width of said coupling, said adjusting means comprising an insert mounted in each end of said partially cylindrical portion, each of said inserts being partially cylindrical, said inserts being laterally movable within said partially cylindrical portion, whereby each of said inserts may be slid inwardly or outwardly relative to said partially cylindrical portion in order to adjust the width of said coupling, means for releasably securing said inserts at pre-set positions within said partially cylindrical portion, and each of said inserts having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, said watchband coupling further including means rotatable into engagement with said inserts, saId rotatable means having teeth thereon, said rotatable means being laterally fixed relative to said partially cylindrical portion, whereby the engagement of the teeth on said rotatable means with the teeth on said inserts releasably secures said inserts at said pre-set position.
 14. The watchband coupling of claim 13 wherein each of said inserts has a flange projecting laterally outward therefrom, said flange having a tab projecting therefrom, said tab having said teeth formed therein.
 15. The watchband coupling of claim 14 wherein said teeth are vertically extending on said tab.
 16. The watchband coupling of claim 15 wherein said rotatable means comprises a second partially cylindrical portion rotatably mounted within said first-mentioned partially cylindrical portion, said second partially cylindrical portion being adapted to secure said coupling on said pin, and in addition, engaging said teeth on said inserts.
 17. The watchband coupling of claim 13 wherein said partially cylindrical portion includes a plate extending therefrom, said rotatable means being rotatably mounted on said plate, and comprising a second plate, said second plate having said teeth adapted to engage the teeth on said inserts.
 18. The watchband coupling of claim 17 and further including means for releasably securing said second plate with said teeth engaged in the teeth of said inserts.
 19. A watchband coupling comprising a partially cylindrical portion which is adapted to be placed over a pin of a watch case, means for adjusting the width of said coupling, said adjusting means comprising an insert mounted in each end of said partially cylindrical portion, each of said inserts being partially cylindrical, said inserts being laterally movable within said partially cylindrical portion, whereby each of said inserts may be slid inwardly or outwardly relative to said partially cylindrical portion in order to adjust the width of said coupling, means for releasably securing said inserts at pre-set positions within said partially cylindrical portion, and said means for releasably securing said inserts comprising means rotatable relative to said partially cylindrical portion, said rotatable means being rotatable from a first position wherein said partially cylindrical portion is adapted to be placed over said pin to a second position wherein said partially cylindrical portion is secured on said pin, said inserts being secured at said pre-set positions when said rotatable means is in said second position. 